Security and Guard Industry Overview

Security officers, or security guards, inspect and patrol property to protect against theft, vandalism, fire, trespassing, terrorism and other illegal activity.Security officers protect their employing companies' property and investments by deterring criminal activity and enforcing laws, rules and regulations. Some security guards patrol and inspect grounds and buildings, while others are stationary, or work various special events. They check to see that doors, windows and gates are properly locked and that security equipment is working correctly. On occasion assistance from emergency, police, fire, or medical services are needed at which time a radio and/or telephone are used.Guards are responsible for writing comprehensive reports detailing the observations and activities that took place during their designated shift.In some instances, they may be asked to interview witnesses, or victims, prepare case reports and potentially testify in court. A security officer's job responsibilities will vary with the location, size, and type of business of the employer.

Security Office and Guard Job Opportunities

There are a number of job opportunities that exist within a variety of industries.Department stores employ security guards to protect records, merchandise, money and equipment.They often work undercover to monitor both potential shoplifters and employees.Some shopping centers and malls have guards who patrol parking lots to monitor activity and deter car thefts.Security officers who work in public buildings such as art galleries, or museums protect the art and exhibits by inspecting people's packages and bags when entering the building. Armored guards are responsible for the protection of money and valuables during transit.Carrying money from the business to the transportation vehicle can be dangerous so they also protect the individuals who make the commercial bank deposits, from injury or theft.In situations such as these, security officers are required to wear bulletproof vests.A growing number of security officers work in the field of gaming at casinos.Gaming surveillance officers, also known as gaming investigators, act as guards for casino managers and patrons.They observe casino operations for irregular activities, from an observation room.

Required Training, Skills and Qualifications

The majority of states require that guards be licensed.To obtain a license, guards must be at least 18 years of age, pass a background check, and complete classroom training that include courses in property rights, detention of suspected criminals and emergency procedures.Drug tests, random and ongoing, are usually enforced.Most positions do not require formal education but a two-year Associate's degree program or a 1-to-2-semester certificate program in a criminal justice or a related field is helpful to aspiring surveillance officers and security guards. Surveillance officers usually receive training in casino-like atmospheres using a variety of surveillance camera equipment. Armed guards receive more formal training in various areas such as weapons retention and laws covering the use of force. Guards employed by the federal government are required to have experience in the occupation, pass a written examination, and pass first aid tests and firearms tests to be certified by the US General Services Administration.

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